FAMILY SQUARES
Starring: Margo Martindale, Judy Greer, Casey Wilson, Sam Richardson, Billy Magnussen, Scott MacArthur, Ann Dowd, Elsie Fisher, Henry Winkler, Timothy Simons, and June Squibb.
Director: Stephanie Laing
NICK
It’s always great when a film comes out of nowhere to surprise you, and that’s exactly what Family Squares does. This darkly humorous take on what many people have had to go through the past two years is the best “Covid” film I’ve seen yet. Family Squares manages to find some levity in a very heavy situation, which leads to an almost cathartic watch. Filmed almost entirely on Zoom and bolstered by a solid ensemble including standouts Ann Dowd, Judy Greer, and Casey Wilson, this is a funny, emotional, and relatable viewing experience.
AMARÚ
Family Squares, at its worst, is as disjointed as the Zoom meetings the entire movie is viewed through. At its best, it’s full of heart, hope, and healing reminiscent of what each and every one of us have had to find in ourselves over the past two years. Luckily, that heart grows with each successive scene, especially when June Squibb and Sam Richardson take center stage in the digital meetings. The entire ensemble accurately conveys the warring myriad of emotions quarantine creates, and in the end, leaves us with a pleasant film that’s simultaneously crazy and endearing.
PAIGE
Family Squares is a surprisingly emotional comedy that is stacked with performances from Henry Winkler, Judy Greer, Ann Dowd, and many more. It’s another entry in the unique covid sub-genre of Zoom films, but this time focuses on a dysfunctional family dealing with the death of a loved one. And I have to say, this film is a breath of fresh air. These last few years dealing with the pandemic haven’t been easy for anyone, so it’s nice to get a gem like this that feels raw and relatable.
